Busia: Busia High Court Presiding Judge, Justice William Musyoka, has underscored the need to sensitise residents of Busia on the succession process. Speaking during a sensitisation forum at a hotel in Busia, Justice Musyoka noted that the succession process is very emotive because it is the easiest way of acquiring property. "A number of assault and murder cases are caused by wrangles by family members as they struggle to access the deceased's property," he remarked. According to Kenya News Agency, Justice Musyoka highlighted that many succession cases in the County were driven by purchasers, although the process should ideally be initiated by family members. He explained that "succession is the transfer of property from the dead to the living," emphasizing that the process must be conducted in a court of law. He advised residents wishing to carry out the process to consult with their respective area chiefs to avoid being exploited by brokers. Justice Musyoka also warned local residents against selling th e property of the deceased before the succession is completed, as this complicates matters when the court begins distributing property. He noted that in pressing situations that might compel a family to sell part of the property, they should seek court orders. He cautioned buyers that purchasing property from the deceased without following due process could result in losing their acquisitions. Furthermore, Justice Musyoka urged local administrators to provide accurate information in their letters to the judiciary regarding the intended beneficiaries. He emphasized the importance of including details of all children of the deceased, irrespective of gender, to prevent cases from dragging in court due to omitted details. He also called upon religious leaders to educate their congregants about the succession process to reduce incidences of violence related to land issues. The forum, aimed at sensitizing priests from the Catholic Diocese of Bungoma on the succession process, brought together judicial officers, r epresentatives of the National Police Service, National Government Administrative Officers, the Land Registrar, and the Land Surveyor.